His opponent is the gold standard of the NFL – coach, quarterback and organization.

None of it matters.

The Philadelphia Eagles host the New England Patriots at Lincoln Financial Field tonight in what is new Philadelphia head coach Kelly’s first game action in the NFL.

The game is meaningless. Kelly’s game plan and play-calling won’t be. The performances of starter Michael Vick and backup Nick Foles matter. The play of Damaris Johnson, Riley Cooper and Jason Avant will determine a No. 2 receiver behind DeSean Jackson. Chris Polk is primed to snatch the second-string running back job from Bryce Brown.

Not every position battle will be determined – not with a month until the season begins. There will be key things to look for, other than QBs Tom Brady, if he plays, Ryan Mallett and Tim Tebow shredding the Eagles defense.

Here’s what to watch for:

QUARTERBACK: Vick was handed the start because of a practice schedule in which Foles started Thursday’s drills. Kelly has said that Foles will start next week, so this is little, if any, indication of who will start the season. Play will determine who wins the job. Neither has been overly impressive during camp and Foles may have the edge during preseason play if he can duplicate the numbers he put up during last year’s exhibition games.

RUNNING BACK: Last year’s No. 2 Bryce Brown has struggled catching the ball out of the backfield during camp and Polk has been given a chance to edge ahead. Brown is the better RB, but a new coach will go with whoever he feels most comfortable with. If Polk sees the field before Brown, you’ll know who Kelly is leaning toward.

WIDE RECEIVER: A lot was made of the Eagles lack of depth at the position, even more so when Jeremy Maclin and Arrelious Benn both tore their ACLs. Kelly made the point that he’ll likely go only five-deep at the position, so anything over that number is plenty of depth. Jackson, Johnson, Cooper and Avant will be on the team come September, leaving one spot left. Everyone will be looking at 6-foot-7 wideout Ifeayani Momah, but there’s not much to see. He can’t get off the line, he looks uncoordinated and he can’t separate. Greg Salas should be the leader in the clubhouse for the fifth-spot.

TIGHT END: The Eagles will keep four guys here – Brent Celek, James Casey, Zach Ertz and Clay Harbor. The rumor is Kelly will go with a lot of multiple tight end sets, a necessity considering the Eagles lack of talent at WR.

DEFENSE: There are few roles locked up on the defensive side. Linebackers DeMeco Ryans Connor Barwin will start, as will linebacker/end Trent Cole. Corner Cary Williams is getting paid to start, but has hardly practiced. Every other position needs a starter and most players on defense should see an equal amount of time.

PREDICTION: The Eagles are favored by 3.5 with the over/under sitting at 41. The experience at quarterback will throw the number over, and it’s hard to not think Mallett and Tebow will use their preseason time to hold them over during Brady’s reign in the regular season.

Patriots 24, Eagles 21

Contact Rob Edwards at 856-845-9478 or at redwards@southjerseymedia.com